This blog is devoted to conversation about BioDiversity Research Institute's Peregrine Falcon web camera. This camera features one of 23 Peregrine Falcon nest sites located in Maine and provides live video feed via the internet 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Please be respectful in all your communication. Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Visit to the Falcon Site: 10/15/09

Hi All, on my recent visit to the Peregrine Falcon site I recovered this pellet. It is packed full of feathers, bones, and seed and berry casings--the regurgitated, indigestible morsels of a recent falcon meal. Although most people are familiar with owls producing pellets raptors of all shapes and sizes produce pellets. Given the number of seeds in the pellet and the size of the bones it seems likely that this pellet contains the remains of a seed-eating songbird. The photo below includes a ruler for scale and a different perspective. If you look closely you can see a feather arcing across the top and a bone just below the feather.

In this photo you can see the pellet sitting on the 'front stoop' of the falcon tray.

I'm very happy to be able to share this small discovery with you and provide these photos. I will keep this pellet intact and share it with students when it pertains to the subject of our many classroom visits! Please be in touch with your questions and comments and keep on enjoying the BRIperegrinecam!

About Me

Patrick Keenan - BioDiversity Research Institute, Education and Outreach Coordinator. Patrick's focus is to bring the science of wildlife and BRI's mission to people in Maine and around the world. His background as a research biologist and educator, help him to relate the many trials that wildlife face. Wing Goodale - BioDiversity Research Institute, Research Biologist, Eagle Webcam Program Director, Coastal Birds Program Director.
He carries outs diverse fieldwork from conducting bird surveys to testing seabird eggs for mercury to capturing and collecting blood from bald eagles. When not in the field, Goodale prepares scientific papers, conducts GIS analysis, manages Biodiversity’s Web site, and oversees BRI’s live eagle Web camera.
Chris DeSorbo - BioDiversity Research Institute, Research Biologist, Raptor Program Director.
DeSorbo works on a wide variety of bird-focused research projects, emphasizing intensive research on bald eagles in numerous states. When not in the field, DeSorbo prepares scientific papers and works to expand the scope of the raptor program at BRI.